Lightning captain Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov are two of the game's most gifted and skilled scorers. So, naturally, when they're on the same line, it makes for must-see TV. Lightning captain Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov are two of the game's most gifted and skilled scorers.

Times beat reporter Joe Smith and sports columnist Tom Jones break down the start of the Tampa Bay Lightning's season in our latest Lightning Strikes! podcast. Topics include the surprising rise of Brayden Point, the slow …

SUNRISE – F Cory Conacher joined the team today but coach Jon Cooper said he probably will not play tonight against the Panthers.

“We’ve got guys that ae on the cusp of maybe playing maybe not. I think we should be in decent shape tonight, but just in case. We have limited numbers, so if guys aren’t ready to go tonight he’ll be in, but as of now he probably will not be in.”

Cooper said Conacher’s arrival is not related to F Jonathan Drouin, who has not played since taking a hit to the head last Tuesday against the Islanders in New Tork.

“I don’t know necessary about where Joe’s timetable is,” Cooper said. “We’re hoping very soon he’ll be back. We just don’t have a lot of bodies here. Conacher is well deserving to be up here.”

Ben Bishop will be in goal tonight.

F Nikita Kucherov was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week. He had three goals and seven points last week.